Few things can bring a family together—and set them against each other—like the end of life questions for a dying relative. The issues that can arise are many, and certainly not limited to who is entitled to what part of the estate. Family mediation can be a great help during these trying times.

Mediation Lawyers Can Referee Health Care Issues

In many cases, a power of attorney will be assigned to a disabled family member. Typically, this is a family member, but often attorneys and case workers are chosen to make decisions regarding health care and estate handling. There are several criteria for this designation, which ultimately amount to events where the family member cannot make their own decisions or otherwise convey their wishes.

Oftentimes, decisions that the power of attorney makes will go against the wishes of some or all of the other family members. A POA may opt for “Do Not Resuscitate” orders, Hospice care, life support or other medical decisions that are not universally agreed upon by the family. Having a mediator in these cases can help bring everyone into agreement on the best interest of their dying relative.

Mediation Services for Estate Issues

Of course, one of the most well-known end of life issues is the division of the estate. There may be disagreements with the dearly departed Last Will and Testament. There may not even be a Will.

Family mediation is crucial in these times. Unfortunately, it happens frequently that some family members feel like they have been sold short by a particular allotment or that the allotment to “the black sheep” was unfair to the rest. Without mediation, these issues can go to trial, which does nothing to preserve familial bonds. This preservation of family ties is a particularly important benefit of mediation over litigation. After all, no one benefits from estrangement.